Trump nominates Keith Sonderling as permanent US labor secretary
Acting Labor chief says Trump is fulfilling his promise to bring high-paying jobs back to US
Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling confirmed President Trump’s campaign promise to bring high-paying private sector jobs back to the United States. He noted an increase in manufacturing and construction jobs, crediting significant investments from companies such as Lockheed Martin and Toyota. Sonderling emphasized that the administration is focused on reskilling American workers for these in-demand roles and stimulating the economy.
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President Donald Trump on Monday nominated Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to serve as U.S. labor secretary, sending his selection to the Senate for confirmation.
If confirmed, Sonderling would officially assume the Cabinet post after leading the Labor Department in an acting capacity since the departure of former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer in April. He will continue to oversee the department’s efforts to enforce federal labor laws, administer workforce programs, and implement the administration’s employment agenda.
“It is my great honor to announce my permanent nomination of Acting United States Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling,” Trump said in a statement on Truth Social. “Keith previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Director of Operations, and during my First Term he worked at the U.S. Department of Labor as Acting and Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor.
“Throughout his career, Keith has proven his commitment to delivering strong results for our Nation’s Hardworking People, and I know he will do an incredible job in his new role,” Trump said.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF LABOR SONDERLING: A QUICK WAY TO FIND A JOB WITHOUT COLLEGE DEBT
Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling testifies before the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies on May 19, 2026, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Chavez-DeRemer left the Labor Department in April, when the White House announced Sonderling would serve as acting labor secretary.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF LABOR SONDERLING: A QUICK WAY TO FIND A JOB WITHOUT COLLEGE DEBT
Lori Chavez-DeRemer stepped down as labor secretary amid the inspector general’s investigation into allegations of misconduct. (Annabelle Gordon/Bloomberg)
Chavez-DeRemer’s departure follows a whistleblower complaint that accused her of having an affair with a member of her security team, drinking at work, creating a hostile work environment and directing staff to conduct personal errands at the expense of taxpayers.
The Labor Department’s inspector general is investigating the allegations, which include allegations that Chavez-DeRemer’s husband made unsolicited advances toward department officials and that family members routinely sent personal requests to junior employees, according to previous reporting from Fox News Digital.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF LABOR SONDERLING: A QUICK WAY TO FIND A JOB WITHOUT COLLEGE DEBT
President Donald Trump nominated Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to permanently lead the Department of Labor, sending the pick to the Senate after Sonderling took over following the departure of Lori Chavez-DeRemer in April. (Getty)
Reports of the complaints indicate that Chavez-DeRemer asked staff to perform special errands for her and her husband, including getting dry cleaning, buying wine and cleaning out the secretary’s closet, and allegedly used threats to ensure compliance.
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Meanwhile, other complaints alleged drinking at work and liquor stashes around the office, according to the New York Post, which first reported the complaints in January. Chavez-DeRemer denied the allegations.
Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
